GENERIC NAME: RIBAVIRIN TABLET - ORAL (rye-buh-VYE-rin)

BRAND NAME(S): Copegus, Ribapak

WARNING: Ribavirin may cause birth defects and/or death in unborn babies that are exposed to it during pregnancy. If you or your sexual partner are or may be pregnant, do not take ribavirin, and contact your doctor immediately. Women and men who are taking ribavirin must avoid pregnancy by using two forms of reliable birth control (such as latex condoms and birth control pills) during treatment with this drug and for 6 months after this medication has been stopped. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Patients with certain types of heart disease should not use ribavirin because it can lower your red blood cell level (anemia). This may worsen your condition and can lead to a possibly fatal heart attack. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have had any heart problems or chest pain.